Conceptual Review on Ayurvedic Methodology of Shaman Chikitsa

Abstract

This review conceptually analyzes Shaman Chikitsa (palliative therapy), a primary therapeutic strategy in Ayurveda that focuses on normalizing aggravated bodily humors (doṣas) without physically eliminating them from the body. The methodology of Shaman is rooted in the principle of employing substances (dravya) possessing qualities (guṇa) antagonistic to the vitiated doṣa, thereby pacifying the disease state (rog śānti or śānti). Shaman substances are one of the three broad classifications of medicinal dravya. Techniques encompassed within Shaman methodology include internal procedures like Dīpana (appetizing or enhancing digestion) and Pāchana (digestion-promoting), as well as a variety of targeted formulations known as Mahākaṣāya (Great Groups of Decoctive Drugs) designed to soothe specific symptoms and doṣa imbalances.